Staying Right Side Up in an Upside Down World

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Nothing Is Too Hard

God had a staggering goal for an engaged couple from the town of Nazareth about 65 miles north of Bethlehem—long before anyone understood the significance of Christmas.

Joseph was a blue-collar worker with strong, calloused hands. He made hand-crafted furniture and other things out of olive wood inside a small woodshop behind his parents’ house, where he learned the trade of carpentry from his father.

Mary was a gracious woman with a kind and gentle heart. She grew up working alongside her mother—cooking meals, making clothes and helping neighbors. She enjoyed working at home, where she learned to care for her family and others.

Joseph and Mary loved each other—and were excitedly preparing for their wedding day. But one day, an angel surprised and told Mary that she’d miraculously give birth to a son while still a virgin—and that her son would be the Savior of the world. When she asked about this seemingly impossible feat, the angel simply said, “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

Imagine the overwhelming assignment that confronted them. Mary was a young virgin—and she was going to have a baby without ever being with Joseph or any other man. Joseph was a respected carpenter—and his fiancée was going to be mysteriously pregnant soon. That’s why Mary was scared and reflective—and Joseph was confused and angry. But God didn’t leave them to handle this bigger-than-life situation alone. He strengthened and guided them.

In the same way, God doesn’t assign tasks or goals to us today that we can’t achieve. God’s goals for us are possible, certain and achievable—because he empowers and helps us. That’s why we can trust God when his will for us seems impossible—and say with Mary, “Behold, the bond-slave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

So, let me ask you: if God wants something done, can it be done? In other words, if God has a goal for your life, can it be blocked? Can it be anything but certain and possible?

I’m convinced that no goal God has for my life is impossible or uncertain, nor can it be blocked. Imagine God saying, “I’ve called you into existence, I’ve made you my son or daughter and I’ve got something for you to do. I know you won’t be able to do it, but give it your best shot.”

That’d be like saying to your youngest child, “I want you to mow the yards today. Unfortunately, the grass is extra tall and full of rocks. The mower doesn’t work, and there’s no gas. But give it your best shot.” That’d be a crazy expectation!

Our heavenly Father is far more gracious, powerful and wiser than the best parent in the world.

I like the prophet’s perspective and prayer: “Ah Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17). That’s why we can always rely on our awesome Father for strength and help.

That’s also why we—like Joseph and Mary—can trust our all-powerful Father and dare to believe that nothing is too hard or impossible for him!